Denture adhesive compositions

ABSTRACT

Denture adhesive compositions having good hold and improved taste containing a salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydride. Compositions containing from about 25% to about 45%, by weight of the composition, of a salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydride containing a cationic salt function containing: i) from about 60% to about 72% cations selected from calcium, strontium, magnesium, or combinations thereof; ii) from 0% to about 10% sodium cations; iii) less than 1% zinc cations; and iv) from about 25% to about 40% of a free acid component; and further containing from about 15% to about 25%, by weight of the composition of a carboxymethyl cellulose having a molecular weight of from about 200,000 to about 1,000,000 daltons; and a carrier. Methods of improving the adhesion of dentures to the oral cavity by applying such compositions to dentures, the oral cavity, or both, and thereafter securing the denture to the ridge or palate of the oral cavity.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present compositions relate to denture adhesives comprising salts ofAVE/MA polymers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ordinary removable dentures, dental plates and the like, comprise teethmounted in a suitable plate or base. Denture stabilizers, includingdenture adhesives, are used to fill the interstices between the denturesand the gums or tissues. Prior to placement of the denture in the oralcavity, a denture stabilizer is applied to the denture-plate surfacewhich, for a perfect fit, should uniformly contact the gums and mucoustissues. The denture stabilizer is formulated not only for its adherentproperties, but also to provide a cushion or gasket between the dentureand the gums or tissues, thereby positioning the denture securely in theoral cavity.

Considerable effort has been made over the years to develop improveddenture adhesive compositions. Both synthetic and natural polymers andgums have been used singly, in combination, and in combination withvarious adhesives and other materials in an attempt to lessen certaindeficiencies. These deficiencies include inadequate holding power andmessiness and difficulty of removing the residual adhesive from themouth and dentures. Also, food may become trapped between the dentureand the oral cavity of the wearer. Additionally, certain components maypresent a less than desirable taste to the wearer.

Alkyl vinyl ether-maleic copolymers and salts thereof are known in theart for use in denture adhesive compositions. Such disclosures include:U.S. Pat. No. 3,003,988 to Germann et al., issued Oct. 10, 1961; U.S.Pat. No. 4,980,391 to Kumar et al., issued Dec. 25, 1990; U.S. Pat. No.5,073,604 to Holeva et al., issued Dec. 17, 1991; U.S. Pat. No.5,900,470, Prosise et al., issued May 4, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,924,Tazi et al, issued Aug. 6, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,913, Tazi et al.,issued Jan. 21, 1992; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,652 to Clarke, issued Jun.11, 1996. In addition strip or insert denture adhesives are also known.Despite the above-noted technologies, as well as many others, a needstill exists for denture stabilizing compositions providing good holdand improved taste.

In accordance with the present invention, good hold and improved tastecharacteristics may be obtained by using denture adhesive compositionscomprising alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid copolymers comprisingcombinations of magnesium, strontium, and calcium salts together withspecific levels of free acid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a denture adhesive compositioncomprising a salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid oranhydride, wherein said adhesive composition comprises: from about 25%to about 45%, by weight of the composition, of a salt of a copolymer ofalkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydride containing a cationic saltfunction comprising: from about 60% to about 72% cations selected fromcalcium, strontium, magnesium, or combinations thereof; from 0% to about10% sodium cations; less than 1% zinc cations; and from about 25% toabout 40% of a free acid component; wherein the composition furthercomprises from about 15% to about 25%, by weight of the composition of acarboxymethyl cellulose having a molecular weight of from about 200,000to about 1,000,000 daltons; and a carrier.

The present invention further relates to a denture adhesive compositioncomprising a salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid oranhydride, wherein said adhesive composition consists essentially of:from about 25% to about 45%, by weight of the composition, of a salt ofa copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydride containing acationic salt function consisting essentially of: i) from about 60% toabout 70% calcium cations; ii) from 0% to about 5% sodium cations; iii)substantially free of zinc cations; and iv) from about 25% to about 35%of a free acid component; and from about 15% to about 25%, by weight ofthe composition, of a carboxymethyl cellulose having a molecular weightof from about 500,000 to about 900,000; and a carrier comprising awater-insoluble liquid, gel, thermoplastic solid, or combinationsthereof.

The present invention further relates to such compositions wherein thecationic salt function is substantially free of zinc cations.

The present invention further relates to the above compositions whereinthe cationic salt function consists essentially of calcium cations andfrom about 25% to about 35% of the free acid component.

The present invention further relates to the above compositions whereinthe cationic salt function consists essentially of from about 65% toabout 70% calcium cations, from about 0% to about 5% sodium cations andfrom about 28% to about 32% of the free acid component. The presentinvention further relates to the above compositions wherein the adhesivecomposition comprises from about 15% to about 25%, by weight of thecomposition, of the carboxymethylcellulose.

The present invention further relates to the above compositions whereinthe carboxymethylcellulose has a molecular weight of from about 600,000to about 800,000.

The present invention further relates to the above compositions whereinthe salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydridehas a molecular weight greater than 1,250,000.

The present invention further relates to the above compositions whereinthe salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydridehas a specific viscosity of from about 2.5 to about 3.8 when measured asa 1% in methyl ethyl ketone solution at 25° C.

The present invention further relates to the above compositions furthercomprising one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting ofadditional adhesive components, plasticizers, colorants, preservatives,thickeners, vehicles, flavors, fragrances, sensates, and mixturesthereof.

The present invention further relates to the above compositions whereinthe cationic salt function consists essentially of from about 65% toabout 70% calcium cations and from about 28% to about 32% of the freeacid component.

The present invention further relates to the above compositions whereinthe adhesive composition comprises from about 15% to about 25%, byweight of the composition, of carboxymethylcellulose having a molecularweight of from about 600,000 to about 800,000.

The present invention further relates to the above compositions whereinthe salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydridehas a molecular weight greater than 1,250,000.

The present invention further relates to the above compositions whereinthe salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydridehas a specific viscosity of from about 2.5 to about 3.8 when measured asa 1% in methyl ethyl ketone solution at 25° C.

The present invention further relates to the above compositions furthercomprising at least one non-adhesive self-supporting layer.

The present invention further relates to the above compositions whereinthe carrier comprises microcrystalline wax.

The present invention further relates to the above compositions whereinthe composition is substantially free of magnesium.

The present invention further relates to the above compositions whereinthe composition is substantially free of sodium.

The present invention further relates to the above compositions whereinthe composition is substantially free of strontium.

The present invention further relates to a method of improving theadhesion of dentures to the oral cavity by applying any one of the abovecompositions to dentures, the oral cavity, or both, and thereaftersecuring the denture to the ridge or palate of the oral cavity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The denture adhesive compositions of the present invention comprisecarboxymethylcellulose in combination with the magnesium, strontium,and/or calcium salts of an alkyl vinyl ether-maleic copolymer withspecific free acid levels, optionally comprising from 0% to about 10% ofsodium cations; and substantially free of zinc cations.

The adhesive compositions may be in the form of an article, powder,cream, paste, liquid, aerosol, and/or wafer. Powder forms may besprinkled on a dental prosthesis, moistened and then inserted into theoral cavity. The compositions may also be combined with variousconventional delivery vehicles to form liquids or pastes which can beapplied to a dental prosthesis and inserted into the oral cavity. Thesecompositions can optionally comprise at least one non-adhesiveself-supporting layer. Denture adhesive compositions with aself-supporting layer may be thoroughly moistened and applied todentures. A detailed description of essential and optional components ofthe present invention is given below.

Definitions

The term “safe and effective adhesive amounts” as used herein means anamount sufficient to provide adherence to the oral cavity and/oradherence of a dental prosthesis to the palate and ridge of the oralcavity, without toxicity to the user, damage to oral tissue, andalteration of the denture material.

The term “AVE/MA” as used herein refers to alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acidcopolymer. The term “mixed polymer salts” or “mixed salts”, as usedherein, refers to salts of AVE/MA where at least 2 different cations aremixed on the same polymer with each other or with other ester functions.

The term “free acid” (“FA”) component as used herein refers either tothe unreacted carboxyl groups (—COOH) of AVE/MA.

The percentages used herein to describe the salt function of thecopolymers are defined as the stoichiometric percent of the totalinitial carboxyl groups reacted on the polymer. All other percentagesused herein are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

Polymer

The alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid (“AVE/MA”) copolymer comprises therepeated structural unit:

wherein R represents an alkyl radical, in some embodiments a C₁ to C₅alkyl radical, and n is an integer greater than one representing thenumber of repeated occurrences of the structural unit in a molecule ofthe polymer.

The present denture adhesive compositions comprise salts or mixed saltsof an AVE/MA copolymer wherein the salt contains a cationic saltfunction. The cationic salt function comprises (alternatively consistingessentially of, alternatively consisting of) from about 60% to about 72%of magnesium, strontium, and/or calcium cations, from 0% to about 10% ofsodium cations; less than 1%, (alternatively substantially free), ofzinc cations; and from about 25% to about 40% free acid component.

The AVE/MA copolymers have a range of specific viscosities. For example,the specific viscosity may be at least 2.0, alternatively 2.5 or higher,alternatively from about 2.5 to about 5, when measured as a 1%weight/volume solution of the starting anhydride or acid of thecopolymer, in methyl ethyl ketone at 25° C. In one embodiment, the saltof a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydride has aspecific viscosity of from about 2.5 to about 3.8 when measured as a 1%in methyl ethyl ketone solution at 25° C.

The AVE/MA copolymers have a molecular weight of at least about1,250,000 daltons. In some embodiments, the molecular weight is fromabout 1,500,000 to about 3,000,000, alternatively from about 1,700,000to about 2,100,000 or from about 1,800,000 to about 2,000,000 daltons.

AVE/MA copolymers commercially available and useful herein includeGANTREZ AN169 or GANTREZ 179, available from International SpecialtyProducts, having a typical molecular weight of about 1,980,000 and2,400,000 respectively, per their brochure materials. Another suitablepolymer commercially available is AN169 BF, alson from InternationalSpecialty Products.

The AVE/MA copolymers are reacted to form a salt containing a cationicsalt function. The cationic salt function comprises from about 60% toabout 72% of cations selected from calcium, strontium, magnesium andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the cationic salt functioncomprises from about 60% to about 70%, alternatively from about 61% toabout 69%, alternatively from about 62% to about 68%, alternatively fromabout 63% to about 67%, of cations selected from calcium, strontium,magnesium and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the level ofmagnesium cations in the cationic salt function may be any combinationof the ranges from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% toabout 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%,65%, 66%. 67%, 68%, 69% or 70%, of the initial carboxyl groups reacted.In some embodiments, the level of strontium cations in the cationic saltfunction may be any range combination from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%,25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% to about 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%,60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%. 67%, 68%, 69% or 70%, of the initialcarboxyl groups reacted. In some embodiments, the level of calciumcations in the cationic salt function may be any combination of theranges from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% to about20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%,66%. 67%, 68%, 69% or 70%, of the initial carboxyl groups reacted.

In some embodiments, the cationic salt function may comprise from 0% toabout 10%, alternatively from 0% to about 5%, alternatively from about1% to about 4%; from about 1% to about 3%, or from about 0.5% to about2% sodium cations. In some embodiments, the cationic salt function maybe substantially free of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, sodium,potassium, zirconium, strontium, magnesium, and/or aluminum. In someembodiments, the cationic salt function is substantially free of zinccations. Without being limited by theory, by limiting the amount of zinc(and other metal) cations in the cationic salt function, the overalltaste of the product can be improved. Zinc is known to have anunpleasant taste (see, for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,169,118) and ittherefore may be desirable to formulate a composition that is overallsubstantially free of zinc. The phrase “substantially free of means lessthan 0.0001%, preferably less than 0.001%, more preferably less than0.01%, and still more preferably less than 0.1%.

In some embodiments, the cationic salt function contains from about 25%to about 40% free acid component. In other embodiments, the free acidcomponent may be any combination of the ranges from about 25%, 30%, 31%,32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, or 39%, to about 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%,34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, or 40%. Without being limited by theory,the amount of free acid component is relevant in that greater amounts offree acid may give more sites to provide adhesion to wet mucoadhesivesurfaces. Furthermore, the amount of free acid is also believed to beuseful in optimizing the interaction with a coadhesive such ascarboxymethylcellulose. Yet too much free acid may reduce metalcross-linking, and/or increase solubility of the polymer salt,consequently reducing cohesion. Therefore, the amount of free acidcomponent is important to achieving the good adhesiveness of the presentcompositions, especially with compositions comprising a coadhesive likecarboxymethylcellulose.

The alkyl vinyl ether maleic anhydride copolymers are obtained byco-polymerizing an alkyl vinyl ether monomer, such as methyl vinylether, ethyl vinyl ether, divinyl ether, propyl vinyl ether and isobutylvinyl ether, with maleic anhydride to yield the corresponding alkylvinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer which is readily hydrolyzable tothe acid copolymer. Suitable copolymers may be prepared by well-knownmethods of the prior art, for example U.S. Pat. No. 2,782,182, and U.S.Pat. No. 2,047,398. Both anhydride and acid forms are also availablefrom commercial suppliers. For example, the GAF Corporation, Wayne, N.J.provides both the polymeric free acid form (I) and the correspondinganhydride form under its “GANTREZ” trademark as the “GANTREZ S Series”and “GANTREZ AN Series”, respectively. When the anhydride copolymerdissolves in water, the anhydride linkage is cleaved so that the highlypolar, polymeric free acid (I) is formed. Accordingly, the anhydrideform, which is relatively less expensive than the acid form, may be usedas a convenient and cheaper precursor for the acid. Elevatedtemperatures may be advantageously employed to enhance the rate ofanhydride-to-acid hydrolysis.

The salt form of the subject polymers may be prepared by the interactionof the AVE/M anhydride or acid copolymer with at least one cationic saltfunction, such as magnesium, strontium, or calcium, and optionallysodium, compounds having a functional group typical of reactants of acarboxylic acid, such as, for example, the hydroxide, oxide, acetate,halide, lactate, etc. in an aqueous medium. In one embodiment, themagnesium oxide, strontium hydroxide, strontium carbonate, and/orcalcium hydroxide are utilized.

Ions that form toxic, irritating or contaminating by-products should beavoided, or special precautions and treatment provided to assure theremoval and absence of such by-products from the polymeric saltend-product. The particular compound used should be substantially pureto assure obtaining a substantially pure, polymeric salt end-product.

An aqueous dispersion of particulate metal compounds may be combinedwith the powder polymer, in the form of a slurry, in an amountsufficient to provide the desired cationic content desired in theend-product. This is done at ambient temperature and then slowly heatedto 70° -95° C. with continuous vigorous mixing so as to preventlocalized precipitation of the cationic polymeric salt; mixing iscontinued to ensure that all the salt forming compound is reacted withthe copolymer.

Alternatively, the polymer may be hydrolyzed and neutralized in anaqueous mixture or slurry of one or more divalent and/or monovalentmetal bases by heating the polymer/base mixture to a temperature rangingfrom about 45° C. to about 100° C. In either of the above processes, theresulting slurry or solution may be transferred to shallow stainlesssteel drying trays and placed in a forced air mechanical convection ovenat 60-70° C. for a time sufficient to evaporate the reaction medium(water) and remove water from the polymer (about 18-24 hours).Alternatively, the resulting slurry or solution can be drum-dried at100° to 200° C. with hot steam to evaporate the water content andrecover the polymer in the flake form. After drying, the polymer formsbrittle flakes which can easily be peeled off from the trays or drumsurface and ground to a fine powder as desired to provide satisfactorydenture stabilizing properties. Methods of making these salts of AVE/MApolymers are further disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,604, Holeva etal., issued Dec. 17, 1991 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,872,161, Liang et al.,issued Feb. 16, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,933, Synodis et al., issuedNov. 3, 1998.

The salt polymers have good taste and/or adhesive qualities whencontacted with water or saliva such that they are extremely useful asdenture adhesive materials in denture compositions. The compositions ofthe present invention comprise a safe and effective adhesive amounts ofthe salt polymers, in some embodiments at least 10, 20, 30, or 40percent by weight, as the sole adhesive component or as a co-adhesive injoint usage with other adhesive components.

Carboxymethylcellulose

The denture adhesive compositions herein further contain from about 10%to about 30%, optionally from about 15% to about 25%, or from about 17%to about 20%, by weight of the adhesive composition, ofcarboxymethylcellulose. In one embodiment, the carboxymethylcellulose issodium carboxymethylcellulose. Carboxymethylcellulose materials usefulherein include those having a molecular weight of at least 200,000daltons. In some embodiments, the carboxymethylcellulose has a molecularweight of from about 200,000 to about 1,000,000, alternatively fromabout 500,000 to 900,000, or from about 600,000 to about 800,000daltons. Examples of commercially available carboxymethylcellulosesuseful herein include the 7H series of carboxymethylcelluloses availablefrom Aqualon having a typical molecular weight of about 700,000 daltonsper their brochure materials. Other examples of commercial availablecarboxymethylcellulose include 7H3SX8F from Aqualon/Hercules and CEKOL30,000P from C.P. Kelco/Noviant/Huber.

Carrier

The present denture adhesive compositions comprise from about 2% toabout 80% and in another embodiment from about 30% to about 70%, of acarrier such as a water-insoluble liquid, gel, thermoplastic solid, orcombinations thereof.

In general, water-insoluble blends of mineral oil and petrolatum may beused to make the composition into a suspension. This suspension ofsolid-particles in a liquid/gel vehicle/carrier is also referred to as adenture adhesive cream or paste. In some embodiments, the presentcomposition comprises a safe and effective amount of a water insolublecomponent (wic). In one embodiment this component is present by weightof the composition at an amount from about 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 30, 35% toabout 45, 50, 60, 70, 90%, or any combination thereof. In additionalembodiments the water insoluble component is present at an amount fromabout 20% to about 70%, from about 25% to about 60%, or from about 35%to about 60% by weight of the composition. In yet another embodiment thewater insoluble component is substantially non-swellable in water. Insome embodiments, the non-swellable water insoluble component swellsless than about 10%, 5%, 2%, or 1% in water.

In one embodiment, the water insoluble component comprises a liquid,gel, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the water insolublecomponent is selected from the group consisting of: natural wax,synthetic wax, petrolatum, polyvinyl acetate, natural oils, syntheticoils, fats, silicone, silicone derivatives, dimethicone, siliconeresins, hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon derivatives, essential oils,caprilic/capric triglycerides, polybutene, oleic acid, stearic acid, andcombinations thereof. In a further embodiment, the water insolublecomponent comprises petrolatum, polyvinyl acetate, natural oils,synthetic oils, fats, silicone, silicone derivatives, dimethicone,silicone resins, hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon derivatives, polybutene,oleic acid, stearic acid, essential oils, or combinations thereof.

Examples of natural oils include, but are not limited to, vegetable oils(ex. corn oil), soy bean oils, cottonseed oils, palm oils, coconut oils,mineral oils, animal oils (ex. fish oils), etc. Examples of syntheticoils include, but are not limited to, silicone oils, etc. In oneembodiment, the water insoluble component comprises a natural oil. In anadditional embodiment, the water insoluble component is substantiallyfree of petrolatum. In another embodiment, the water insoluble componentfurther comprises petrolatum. In other embodiments, the water insolublecomponent may comprise mineral jelly, for example, mineral jelliesnumbers 4, 5, 10, 15, or 20 from Calumet Specialty Products.

In a further embodiment, the natural oil comprises mineral oil. In oneembodiment, mineral oil is present in the composition at an amount fromabout 30% to about 50% and in another embodiment, from about 35% toabout 45%. In some embodiments, the mineral oil may be white, light, ortechnical. Light mineral oil may be, for example, Drakeol 5, 10, 13, or15. White mineral oil may be, for example, Drakeol 19, 21, 34, 35, or600.

In some embodiments, the water insoluble component comprises a wax.Waxes are generally made up of various substances including hydrocarbons(normal or branched alkanes and alkenes), ketones, diketones, primaryand secondary alcohols, aldehydes, sterol esters, alkanoic acids,terpenes (squalene) and monoesters (wax esters). Different types ofwaxes include animal and insect waxes (beeswax, Chinese wax, shellacwax, spermaceti, lanolin), vegetable waxes (bayberry wax, candelillawax, carnauba wax, castor wax, esparto wax, Japan wax, jojoba oil,ouricury wax, rice bran wax), mineral waxes (cresin waxes, montan wax,ozocerite, peat waxes), petroleum waxes (paraffin wax ormicrocrystalline wax), and synthetic waxes (polyethylene waxes,Fischer-Tropsch waxes, chemically modified waxes, substituted amidewaxes, polymerized a-olefins).

In one embodiment the water insoluble component comprises a natural orsynthetic wax. In a further embodiment, the natural wax is selected fromthe group consisting of: animal wax, vegetable wax, mineral wax, andcombinations thereof. In another embodiment, the animal wax includesbeeswax, lanolin, shellac wax, Chinese wax, and combinations thereof. Inanother embodiment, the vegetable waxes include carnauba, candelilla,bayberry, sugar cane, and combinations thereof; and mineral waxesinclude fossil or earth waxes (ozocerite, ceresin, montan), andpetroleum waxes such as paraffin and microcrystalline wax, andcombinations thereof. In one embodiment the waxes herein are naturalwaxes selected from the group consisting of beeswax, candelilla,candela, carnauba, paraffin, and combinations thereof. In varyingembodiments, wax can be present in an amount from about 1, 2, 5, 8% toabout 5, 10, 20, 30%, or any combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the natural wax comprises paraffin wax. Aparaffin wax useful herein generally can have a melting point range offrom about 65° C. to about 80° C. and, in another embodiment, from about70° C. to about 75° C. In another embodiment, a microcrystalline waxuseful herein can have a melting point of from about 65° C. to about 90°C., and, in another embodiment from about 80° C. to about 90° C. In oneembodiment, a beeswax useful herein can have a melting point of fromabout 62° C. to about 65° C. and a flash point of 242° C. In anotherembodiment, a candelilla wax useful herein can have a melting point offrom about 68° C. to about 72° C. In an additional embodiment, acarnauba wax useful herein can have a melting point of from about 83° C.to about 86° C. In one embodiment, a Fischer-Tropsch wax useful hereincan have a melting point of about 95° C. to about 120° C. Syntheticgrades of beeswax, candelilla, and carnauba waxes are also availablewith similar properties as the natural grades.

In one embodiment, the water insoluble component comprises petrolatum.According to Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 13^(th) Edition,John Wiley & Sons, 1997, petrolatum is a “mixture of hydrocarbonsderived by distillation of paraffin-base petroleum fractions”; andaccording to The United States Pharmacopia 2005, petrolatum is a“purified mixture of semisolid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum”.This is also referred to as “natural petrolatum”. Petrolatum is statedto have a melting range between 38° C. and 60° C. according to TheUnited States Pharmacopia 2005, and 38-54 C according to The MerckIndex, 10^(th) Edition, 1983. Petrolatums are available in a variety ofgrades with the “Cone Penetration Values” ranging from 180 to about 245measured using ASTM D-937 according to the Sonneborn Inc productbrochure.

In one embodiment, the water insoluble component has a melting pointgreater than about 60° C. In some embodiments, the water insolublethermoplastic component has a melting point from about 35° C., 40° C.,45° C., 50° C., 55° C., 60° C., 65° C., 70° C., 75° C., 80° C., 85° C.,90° C., 95° C., 100° C., to about 110° C., 120° C., 150° C., 175° C.,200° C. and/or any combination thereof to form a range, starting point,and/or end point. In another embodiment, the composition issubstantially free of a water insoluble thermoplastic component with amelting point above about 75° C.

In some embodiments, the carrier comprises microcrystalline wax. Themicrocrystalline wax may be refined and/or substantially pure. In anadditional embodiment, petrolatum does not contribute themicrocrystalline wax. The “Encyclopedia of Polymer Science andEngineering”, 2^(nd) Edition, Vol. 17, page 788, hereby incorporated byreference, states that the molecular weight of microcrystalline waxranges from 450 to 800. The “Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of ChemicalTechnology”, 5^(th) Edition, vol. 26, page 216, hereby incorporated byreference, states that microcrystalline wax has the following typicalproperties: flash point, closed cup, 260° C.; viscosity at 98.9° C.,10.2-25 mm²/s; melting range, 60° C-93° C.; refractive index at 98.9°C., 1.435 to 1.445; average molecular weight, 600 to 800; carbon atomper molecule, 30 to 75; and ductibility/crystallinity of solid wax,ductile-plastic to tough-brittle, and in one embodiment, the viscosityindex improver has these particular properties.

In another embodiment, the microcrystalline wax has a melting pointranging from about 50° C. to about 100° C. In further embodiments, themicrocrystalline wax has a melting point ranging from about 50° C., 55°C., 60° C., 65° C., 70° C. to about 70° C., 75° C., 80° C., 85° C., 90°C., 95° C., 100° C., or any combination thereof. In one particularembodiment, the microcrystalline wax has a melting point ranging fromabout 75° C. to about 85° C.

In another embodiment the microcrystalline wax is manufactured byCrompton, Sonneborn (Witco) and referred to and sold under the trademarkMutiwax®W-835. This wax has a melting point ranging from about 73.9° C.to about 79.4° C. (measured using ASTM D-127), has a penetration at 25°C. of from about 60 to about 80 (measured using ASTM D-1321), has akinematic viscosity at 98.9° C. of from about 75 to about 90 sayboltuniversal seconds (measured using ASTM D-2161), has a flash point, COC(Cleveland open cup), of at least about 246° C. (measured using ASTMD-92), and has a congealing point from about 68° C. to about 77° C.(measured using ASTM D-938).

In another embodiment the microcrystalline wax is manufactured byCrompton, Sonneborn (Witco) and referred to and sold under the trademarkMutiwax®180W. This wax has a melting point ranging from about 79° C. toabout 87° C. (measured using ASTM D-127), has a penetration at 25° C. offrom about 15 to about 22 (measured using ASTM D-1321), has a kinematicviscosity at 98.9° C. of at least about 75 saybolt universal seconds(measured using ASTM D-2161), has a flash point, COC (Cleveland opencup), of at least about 277° C. (measured using ASTM D-92), and has acongealing point from about 75° C. to about 82° C. (measured using ASTMD-938).

In another embodiment the microcrystalline wax is manufactured byCrompton, Sonneborn (Witco) and referred to and sold under the trademarkMutiwax®W445. This wax has a melting point ranging from about 77° C. toabout 82° C. (measured using ASTM D-127), has a penetration at 25° C. offrom about 25 to about 35 (measured using ASTM D-1321), has a kinematicviscosity at 98.9° C. of from about 75 to about 90 saybolt universalseconds (measured using ASTM D-2161), has a flash point, COC (Clevelandopen cup), of at least about 277° C. (measured using ASTM D-92), and hasa congealing point from about 72° C. to about 77° C. (measured usingASTM D-938).

While microcrystalline wax and paraffin wax are both petroleum waxes,there are specific differences between them. Microcrystalline wax is arefined mixture of solid, saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons produced byde-oiling certain fractions from the petroleum refining process. Incontrast to the more familiar paraffin wax which contains mostlyunbranched alkanes, microcrystalline wax contains a higher percentage ofisoparaffinic (branched) hydrocarbons and naphthenic hydrocarbons. It ischaracterized by the fineness of its crystals in contrast to the largercrystal of paraffin wax. It consists of high molecular weight saturatedaliphatic hydrocarbons. It is generally darker, more viscous, denser,tackier and more elastic than paraffin waxes, and has a higher molecularweight and melting point. The elastic and adhesive characteristics ofmicrocrystalline waxes are related to the non-straight chain componentswhich they contain. Typical microcrystalline wax crystal structure issmall and thin, making them more flexible than paraffin wax.

According to the “Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering”Volume 17 page 788, 1989 John Wiley & Sons): The molecular weights ofparaffin waxes range from about 280 to 560 (C20 to C40); the molecularweights of microcrystalline wax range from 450 to 800 (C35 to C60). Theamount of n-alkanes in paraffin wax usually exceeds 75% and can be ashigh as 100%; microcrystalline waxes are composed predominantly ofiso-paraffinic and napthenic saturated hydrocarbons along with somen-alkanes.

According to Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, John Wiley& Sons, 2005: Paraffin Waxes have a number average molecular weight of350-420 and carbons per molecule of 20-36; and Microcrystalline waxeshave a number average molecular weight of 600-800 and carbons permolecule of 30-75. Paraffin wax is macrocrystalline, brittle, and iscomposed of 40-90% normal alkanes, with the remainder C18-C36 isoalkanesand cycloalkanes. A paraffin wax is a petroleum wax consistingprincipally of normal alkanes. Microcrystalline wax is a petroleum waxcontaining substantial proportions of branched and cyclic saturatedhydrocarbons, in addition to normal alkanes. A classification systembased on the refractive index of the wax and its congealing point asdetermined by ASTM D-938 has been developed. Paraffin waxes have arefractive index at 98.9 C of 1.430-1.433; and microcrystalline waxeshave a refractive index at 98.9 C of 1.435-1.445. Paraffin waxes arefriable to crystalline; microcrystalline waxes are ductile-plastic totough-brittle. Paraffin wax has little affinity for oil;microcrystalline wax has great affinity for oil. Unlike paraffin wax,oil is held tightly in the crystal lattice of the microcrystalline wax,and does not migrate to the surface. Paraffin wax is stated to have amelting point of about 47-65° C., according to Hawley's CondensedChemical Dictionary 13^(th) Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 1997, and 46-68°C., according to Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, JohnWoley & Sons, 2005. Microcrystalline wax is stated to have a meltingpoint of about 63-88° C., according to Hawley's Condensed ChemicalDictionary 13^(th) Edition, John Wiley & Sons, and 60-93° C., accordingto according to Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, JohnWiley & Sons, 2005.

In some embodiments, the water insoluble thermoplastic and/or viscosityindex improver used in the present invention have a Penetration Valuefrom about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 to about, 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120,250, in any combination of numbers to form ranges.

In some embodiments, the water insoluble thermoplastic component and/orviscosity index improver such as microcrystalline wax has an averagemolecular weight higher than that of petrolatum. In some embodiments thewater-insoluble component and/or viscosity index improver is higher inMW, more branched, more flexible, stronger, tougher, higher melting,and/or more crystalline than blends of mineral oil combined withpetrolatum.

Optional Non-Adhesive Self-Supporting Layer

The present denture adhesive compositions optionally comprise at leastone non-adhesive self-supporting layer. The non-adhesive self-supportinglayer is characterized by its ability to maintain strength and provideintegrity for the adhesive composition in the presence of water and/orsaliva. The non-adhesive self-supporting layer may include materialssuch as polyester, polypropylene, nylon, rayon, cellulose acetate,non-adhesive cellulose derivatives, cloth, fibrous fleece, paper,plastic, leather, microcrystalline wax, synthetic fibers, naturalfibers, and mixtures thereof. Some embodiments may comprise non-adhesivecellulose derivatives, polyester, polypropylene, nylon, rayon, cloth,paper, microcrystalline wax, or mixtures thereof. Some embodiments maycomprise polyester, polypropylene, rayon, nylon, cloth, and/or paper.

The non-adhesive self-supporting layer may be in any physical formsuitable for providing strength and/or integrity to the present adhesivecompositions. Such physical forms include non-woven, woven, continuous,chopped, and combinations thereof. In addition, the non-adhesiveself-supporting layer may be formed by any process commonly known in theart. Such processes include un-bonded, spraybonded, spun-bonded,needle-punched, carded, thermal bonded hydroentangled, meltblown,aperture print bonded, needled, wet-laid, dry-laid, and combinationsthereof.

Other Adhesive Components

The present invention compositions may also include other adhesivecomponents. These adhesive components, if present, are used in a safeand effective adhesive amounts. In general, the other adhesivecomponents may be present at a level of any combination of the rangesfrom about 0%, 10%, 20%, 30, or 40% to about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%,by weight of the composition.

Suitable adhesive components include a water-soluble hydrophilic colloidor polymer having the property of swelling upon exposure to moisture toform a mucilaginous mass. Such adhesive materials include natural gums,synthetic polymeric gums, AVE/MA copolymer acid, AVE/MA copolymeranhydride, AVE/MA/IB, synthetic polymers, mucoadhesive polymers,hydrophilic polymers, saccharide derivatives, other cellulosederivatives, and adhesive materials commonly employed in denturestabilizing compositions and compatible with the subject polymers of thepresent invention, and mixtures thereof. Examples of such materialsinclude karaya gum, guar gum, gelatin, algin, sodium alginate,tragacanth, chitosan, polyethylene glycol, acrylamide polymers,carbopol, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamines, polyquartemary compounds,polybutenes, silicones, ethylene oxide polymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone,cationic polyacrylamide polymers.

In some embodiments, such materials may be other cellulose derivatives,polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, karaya gum, sodium alginate,chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof. In other embodiments,the materials may be other cellulose derivatives such asmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose,hydroxy-propylmethylcellulose, or mixtures thereof.

Other Ingredients

The present denture adhesive compositions which also comprise anon-adhesive self-supporting layer may also comprise a coating which issticky to dry dentures and, if present, will be placed on one side ofthe denture adhesive composition. Compositions suitable for use as thistype of adhesive layer include polybutenes, silicones, rubbers,petrolatum, natural polymers, synthetic polymers, and mixtures thereof.The adhesive layer may be present at a level of from about 0% to about70%, in some embodiments from about 0.5% to about 20%, by weight of thecomposition.

Other suitable ingredients may include colorants, preservatives such asmethyl and propyl parabens; thickeners such as silicon dioxide, andpolyethylene glycol; and vehicles such as liquid petrolatum, petrolatum,mineral oil and glycerin. In some embodiments, polyethylene glycol,silicon dioxide, and/or petrolatum may be included. Colorants,preservatives, thickeners and vehicles may be present at levels of fromabout 0% to about 20%, by weight of the composition.

The compositions of the present invention may also include one or morecomponents which provide flavor, fragrance, and/or sensate benefit(warming or cooling agents). Suitable components include natural orartificial sweetening agents, menthol, menthyl lactate, wintergreen oil,peppermint oil, spearmint oil, leaf alcohol, clove bud oil, anethole,methyl salicylate, eucalyptol, cassia, 1-menthyl acetate, sage, eugenol,parsley oil, oxanone, alpha-irisone, marjoram, lemon, orange, propenylguaethol, cinnamon, vanillin, thymol, linalool, cinnamaldehyde glycerolacetal known as CGA, and mixtures thereof, as well as coolants.

The coolant can be any of a wide variety of materials. Included amongsuch materials are carboxamides, menthol, ketals, diols, and mixturesthereof. In some embodiments, coolants in the present compositions maybe the paramenthan carboxyamide agents such asN-ethyl-p-menthan-3-carboxamide, known commercially as “WS-3”,N,2,3-trimethyl-2-isopropylbutanamide, known as “WS-23,” and mixturesthereof. Additional coolants may be selected from the group consistingof menthol, 3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol known as TK-10 manufactured byTakasago, menthone glycerol acetal known as MGA manufactured by Haarmannand Reimer, and menthyl lactate known as Frescolat® manufactured byHaarmann and Reimer. The terms menthol and menthyl as used hereininclude dextro- and levorotatory isomers of these compounds and racemicmixtures thereof. TK-10 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,425, Amanoet al., issued Jul. 10, 1984. WS-3 and other agents are described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,136,163, Watson, et al., issued Jan. 23, 1979. Theseagents may be present at a level of from about 0% to about 50%, byweight of the composition.

The present compositions may be used as a denture adhesive and/or usedas a bioadhesive on wet tissue such as mucosal tissues, wounds, oralmucosa, etc. The present adhesive compositions can be used to deliverone or more therapeutic actives suitable for topical administration tomucosal or wet tissues. The phrase “therapeutic actives”, as usedherein, describes agents which are pharmacologically active whenabsorbed through wet tissue or mucosal surfaces of the body such as theoral cavity, wounds, or applied to the surfaces of the skin. Therapeuticactives may be present at a level of from about 0% to about 70%, byweight of the composition.

Therapeutic actives that are useful in the present compositions mayinclude antimicrobial agents such as iodine, sulfonamides,bisbiguanides, or phenolics; antibiotics such as tetracycline, neomycin,kanamycin, metronidazole, or clindamycin; anti-inflammatory agents suchas aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen and its salts, ibuprofen, ketorolac,flurbiprofen, indomethacin, eugenol, or hydrocortisone; dentinaldesensitizing agents such as potassium nitrate, strontium chloride orsodium fluoride; anesthetic agents such as lidocaine or benzocaine;anti-fungals; aromatics such as camphor, eucalyptus oil, flavors,fragrances, or sensates (warming or cooling agents), and aldehydederivatives such as benzaldehyde; insulin; steroids; andanti-neoplastics. It is recognized that in certain forms of therapy,combinations of these agents in the same delivery system may be usefulin order to obtain an optimal effect. Thus, for example, anantimicrobial and an anti-inflammatory agent may be combined in a singledelivery system to provide combined effectiveness.

Process for Preparation of the Composition

A process for preparing denture adhesive compositions of the presentinvention (articles, creams, powders, wafers, liquids, aerosols, pastes)comprises conventional methods disclosed in the art. Conventionalmethods are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,652, issued Jun. 11, 1996,Clarke et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,003,988, issued Oct. 10, 1961, Germann etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,604, Holeva et al., issued Dec. 17, 1991; andU.S. Pat. No. 5,872,161, Liang et al., issued Feb. 16, 1999.

A process for the preparation of the present denture adhesivecompositions optionally comprising a non-adhesive self-supporting layer,comprises coating a weighed amount of the adhesive components onto thenon-adhesive self-supporting layer. This process is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,877,233, Liang et al, issued Mar. 2, 1999; U.S. Pat. No.5,872,160, issued Feb. 16, 1999, Liang et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,880,172,Rajaiah et al., filed Oct. 25, 1996.

The term “mixture”, as used in this “Process for Preparation theComposition” section, refers to a solution, slurry, or suspension.

The adhesive components may be coated on the non-adhesiveself-supporting layer using various methods. These include: (a) wettingthe non-adhesive self-supporting layer with water, uniformly sifting theadhesive component powder(s) onto the wet layer and then rewetting thelayer with water; (b) dissolving the adhesive component(s) in waterand/or other solvent(s) and coating the resulting mixture on the layer;(c) coating the layer with the mixture produced during AVE/MA polymerprocessing; (d) incorporating the adhesive component(s) into the layeras the layer is being formed; and (e) dissolving the adhesivecomponent(s) in water and/or other solvent(s), wetting/coating theresulting mixture onto the layer, and uniformly sifting one or moreadhesives in powder form onto the wet/coated layer and optionallyre-coating/re-wetting the layer with the mixture and/or water; (f) themethod of step (e) repeated multiple times; and (g) any combination ofthe methods in (a) through (f) above.

As disclosed above, the adhesive components may be dissolved in waterand/or other solvents and the resulting mixture coated onto the layer.

When the adhesive compositions are prepared by dissolving the adhesivecomponent(s) in water and/or other solvents, various embodiments of theprocess include: dissolving the polymers in one or more of the solventsfor polymers; dissolving an optional adhesive in a suitable solvent andcoating the resulting mixture onto the non-adhesive self-supportinglayer and then optionally sifting one or more adhesives onto the coatedlayer. Coating the layer can be achieved by techniques commonly known inthe art including extrusion, doctor blading, spraying, dipping, etc.

After the polymer has been deposited on the layer by one of the meansdescribed above, the layer is then dried. Next, the denture adhesivecomposition is mechanically softened by running it through a ring-rolleror micro-cracker or any other suitable means. The composition is thenpressed smooth in a hydraulic press or flat-roller or other suitablemeans. The composition is then die-cut into denture shapes. These shapesmay facilitate application of the composition to the dentures.

The following examples further describe and demonstrate embodimentswithin the scope of the present invention. The examples are given solelyfor the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed aslimitations of the present invention. Many variations of these arepossible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE I Salts of AVE/MA Copolymers A-J

A B C D E Component Grams Grams Grams Grams Grams Water 1876.38 1883.681888.88 1889.58 1898.62 Calcium 11.39 7.59 15.19 Hydroxide Strontium43.62 24.93 24.93 18.7 Hydroxide Magnesium 6.20 4.13 6.20 Oxide AVE/MA80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 Anhydride Polymer AN169 (from ISP)Resulting Sr(70%) Ca(30%) Mg(30%) Mg(20%) Mg(30%) Salt FA(30%) Sr(40%)Sr(40%) Ca(20%) Ca(40%) FA(30%) FA(30%) Sr(30%) (FA(30%) FA(30%) F G H IJ Component Grams Grams Grams Grams Grams Water 1897.22 1896.27 1895.321894.37 1893.59 Calcium 22.78 23.73 24.68 25.63 25.55 Hydroxide AVE/MA80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 76.92 Anhydride Polymer (AN 169 from ISP) Sodium3.94 Hydroxide (50% solution) Resulting Ca(60) Ca(62.5) Ca(65)/ Ca(67.5)Ca (70) Salt FA(40) FA(37.5) FA(35) FA(32.5) Na (5) FA (25)

Compositions A to J exemplify salts of AVE/MA copolymers useful in thedenture adhesive compositions of the present invention.

The components are weighed and added to a 4 liter reaction vessel whilemixing. 15% the water is used to pre-slurry all powders except theAVE/MA. The residual powders are then washed down from the wall of thevessel. The mixture is then reacted at a temperature of from 80 to 95°C. The solution is then dried for about 16 to 24 hours in an oven at atemperature of from 65 to 75° C. All dried flakes are then milled to afine powder.

Further as examples, the above salts may be modified by reacting themixture with various levels NaOH between 0% and 10%, in addition to theingredients listed above. Further as examples, the calcium in the abovesalts may be interchanged wholly or in part with magnesium and/orstrontium. Further still as examples, the magnesium in the above saltscan be interchanged wholly or in part with calcium and/or strontium andthe strontium interchanged wholly or in part with magnesium and/orcalcium.

EXAMPLE II Salts of AVE/MA Copolymers M-O and R-U

M N O R S T U Component Grams Grams Grams Grams Grams Grams Grams Water1897.28 1606.27 1605.30 1896.76 1897.28 1897.64 1897.99 Calcium 24.2121.33 21.24 25.19 24.21 23.56 22.90 Hydroxide Sodium 1.35 HydroxideAVE/MA 78.05 78.50 78.80 79.11 Anhydride Polymer AN169 BF AVE/MA 78.5066.10 65.81 Anhydride Polymer AN 169 Resulting Ca (65) Ca (68) Ca (68)Ca (68) Ca (65) Ca (63) Ca (61) Salt FA (35) FA (32) Na (2) FA (32) FA(35) FA (37) FA (39) FA (30)

Compositions M-O and R-U exemplify salts of AVE/MA copolymers useful inthe denture adhesive compositions of the present invention.

The components are weighed and added to a 4 liter reaction vessel whilemixing. 15% the water is used to pre-slurry all powders except theAVE/MA. The residual powders are then washed down from the wall of thevessel. The mixture is then reacted at a temperature of from 80 to 95°C. The solution is then dried for about 16 to 24 hours in an oven at atemperature of from 65 to 75° C. All dried flakes are then milled to afine powder.

Further as examples, the above salts may be modified by reacting themixture with various levels of NaOH between 0% and 10%, in addition tothe ingredients listed above. Further as examples, the calcium in theabove salts may be interchanged wholly or in part with magnesium and/orstrontium.

EXAMPLE III Salts of AVE/MA Copolymers K-L and Comparative Examples Pand Q

P Q (Compar- (Compar- K L ative) ative) Component (In Grams) (In Grams)(In Grams) (In Grams) Water 1894.43 1896.41 1890.83 1892.77 Calcium23.95 25.83 25.28 27.12 Hydroxide Sodium 3.98 7.80 3.90 Hydroxide (50%solution) AVE/MA 77.65 77.76 76.09 76.20 Anhydride Polymer - AN169 (fromISP) Resulting Ca (65) Ca (70) Ca (70) Ca (75) Salt Na (5) Na (0) Na(10) Na (5) FA (30) FA (30) FA (20) FA (20)

Compositions K, and L exemplify salts of AVE/MA copolymers useful in thedenture adhesive compositions of the present invention. Comparativeexamples P and Q exemplify salts of AVE/MA copolymers having free acidlevels outside of the scope of the present invention.

The components are weighed and added to a 4 liter reaction vessel whilemixing. 15% the water is used to pre-slurry all powders except theAVE/MA. The residual powders are then washed down from the wall of thevessel. The mixture is then heated in a heating mantle set at 88.5° C.and reacted for approximately two hours. The solution is then dried forapproximately 22.5 hours in an oven at a temperature of 70° C. All driedflakes are then milled to a fine powder.

EXAMPLE IV Evaluation of Denture Adhesive Compositions A1 and A2 andComparative Compositions C1 and C2

TABLE 4 Denture Adhesive Compositions A1 A2 C1 C2 Composition GramsGrams Grams Grams Salt K 3.12 Salt L 3.12 Salt P 3.12 Salt Q 3.12 Sodium1.88 1.88 1.88 1.88 Carboxymethylcellulose (High MW/Viscosity grade7H3SX8F from Aqualon) Total Cations 70 70 80 80 Free Acid 30 30 20 20

TABLE 4A Artificial Saliva Composition Amount per Ingredient literK₂HPO₄ 4.2 g KH₂PO₄ 3.2 g KOH 2 pellets (0.098 grams each) Mineral StockSolution 5 ml KCl 8 g per 100 ml of Stock Solution NaCl    8 g Na2SO40.264 g MgCl2•6H2O 0.7687

From the compositions listed in Table 4, five (5) grams of each ofdenture adhesive compositions A1 and A2 according to the presentinvention and comparative denture adhesive compositions C1 and C2 weremade using example salts K, L, P and Q (listed above in Example III) andthen assessed by an expert grader.

The denture adhesive compositions were formed according by the followingprocedures:

A powder blend composition was first formed by milling the AVE/MA saltflakes after tray drying, in a Fritsch mill with a 0.08 mm screen. Theresulting milled composition was then placed in a vacuum oven pulling a30 inches Hg vacuum for about 2 hours at 75° C. The AV/ME salt was thenweighed and combined with the CMC in a glass vial. The powders wereshake blended for about 30 seconds using a vortex mixer.

A hydrated sample composition was then formed by first weighing 0.5grams of the powder blend into a plastic 14 ml polypropyleneround-bottom tube vial (17×100 mm style). The vial was then placed on aVWR Analog vortex mixer and set on setting #10. The vial was positionedon the stirrer such that the powder swirls around inside the vial in avortex form. 3.0 ml of the artificial saliva composition found in Table4A was then added via a 10 ml syringe into the vortex formed by thepowder in the tube (addition taking approximately one second). Themixing continued for an additional 3-5 seconds as the powder hydrated.The mixer was stopped and the resulting combination was immediatelymixed further by hand with a metal spatula until all gel blockedparticles were reduced to less than 1 mm in size and a uniform gel wasformed. The cap was secured to the top of the vial and the cap-vial sealwrapped with Parafilm. The samples were then equilibrated in the vialsfor approximately 18 hours at about 23° C.

The compositions were then graded against each other by a professionalgrader using the following procedures and the results compiled in Table4B.

The hydrated samples were removed from the vials using a metal spatula.The samples were manually stretched and pulled apart slowly until thebreaking point. The broken pieces were pressed back together. Thestretching/breaking/pressing back steps were repeated 4-8 times persample to evaluate for the following properties:

-   -   Cohesion—assessed primarily by how much force is required to        break the samples.    -   Tackiness—assessed by how sticky the sample is to fingers    -   Elastic—assessed by how much the samples spring back upon        stretching and releasing or breaking.    -   Re-healing—assessed by how uniformly & easily the sample        re-forms into a single mass similar to the original mass—with no        seams, clumps, or segregated phases.    -   Mealiness—assessed by how clumpy, and non uniform the sample        becomes after step-iv. In many instances this is also        accompanied by “partially dry looking clumps”.

Denture adhesives known to provide good hold and be consumer acceptablehave medium-to-high cohesion, tackiness, and elasticity (the higher thebetter) and medium-to-low mealiness (the lower the better).

TABLE 4B Results Compo- Level of Free Acid sition Cations Levels GradeA1 70 30 Medium cohesion, medium tackiness, medium elasticity, mediumre-healing, and medium-to-low mealiness A2 70 30 Medium cohesion,medium-to-high tackiness, medium elasticity, medium re-healing,medium-to-low mealiness C1 80 20 Low cohesion, low tackiness, lowelasticity, low re-healing, and high mealiness C2 80 20 Low cohesion,low tackiness, low elasticity, low re-healing, and high mealiness

As can be seen in Table 4B, compositions Al and A2 according to thepresent invention provide more desirable values of cohesion, tackiness,elasticity and mealiness versus comparative examples C1 and C2.

EXAMPLE V

Denture adhesive compositions in cream form can be made by blendingtogether the following ingredients:

weight (grams) White Mineral Oil 89.74 Petrolatum, White 82.01Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 75.00 Silicon Dioxide, Colloidal 4.28Colorant (Opatint Red Dye) 0.23 An AVE/MA copolymer salt according to123.75 Example compositions A-O or R-U or mixtures thereof.

The red dye, petrolatum, and mineral oil are weighed, heated and mixedin a glass jar at 50 to 60° C. until visually uniform. Then the powders(colloidal silicon dioxide, CMC, AVE/MA copolymer salt) are weighed andshake-blended together in a container. Thereafter, the powders are mixedinto the liquid with a spatula until visually a uniform pink cream. Thesubject places the cream composition on the denture. Then the subjectinserts the denture into his/her mouth and presses it into place. Suchcompositions would provide good hold and improved taste.

EXAMPLE VI

Denture adhesive compositions in powder form can be made by blendingtogether the following ingredients:

weight (grams) Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 39.00 An AVE/MA copolymersalt according to 60.00 Example compositions A-O or R-U or mixturesthereof. Colloidal Silica 1.00

All components are blended together. The above powder compositions canalso be modified by using mixtures of the various AVE/MA salts. Thesubject places the composition on a pre-moistened denture, allowing itto hydrate briefly. Then the subject inserts the denture into his/hermouth and presses it into place.

EXAMPLE VII

Denture stabilizing compositions in wafer form can be made by wetting a58″ by 20″ non-woven polyester (non-adhesive self-supporting layer) withwater. Uniformly coat this wet sheet with the compositions listed below.Thereafter, rewet the layer with water. Dry the layer. Mechanicallysoften the composition by ring-roller, and then smooth the compositionon a hydraulic press. Die-cut the composition into desired shapes.Moisten and apply these wafer compositions to the dentures. Then insertthe denture into the mouth and press it into place.

weight (grams) Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 60.00 An AVE/MA copolymersalt according to 90.00 Example compositions A-O or R-U or mixturesthereof.

EXAMPLE VIII

Denture adhesive compositions in article or strip form can be made byblending together the following ingredients, extruding the resultingcomposition into sheets, and die-cutting to desired shapes.

weight (grams) Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 75.00 An AVE/MA copolymersalt according to 60.00 Example compositions A-O or R-U or mixturesthereof. Microcrystalline Wax 135.00

The above compositions can also be modified by using mixtures of thevarious AVE/MA salts. The subject places the composition on a denture.Then the subject inserts the denture into his/her mouth and presses itinto place.

EXAMPLE IX Denture Adhesive Cream

Example 9A 9B 9C 9D 9E 9F 9G Ingredient % % % % % % % Polymer Salt from33.00 28.75 28.75 28.75 28.75 24.00 33.00 Examples A-O or R-U orcombination thereof Sodium 20.00 24.25 24.25 24.25 24.25 29.00 20.00Carboxymethyl- cellulose Mineral Oil, heavy 39.86 37.36 38.50 34.8632.86 38.50 21.55 white, USP (Kaydol) Petrolatum, white 0 0 0 0 0 019.72 Colloidal Silicon 1.14 1.14 0.0 1.14 1.14 0.0 1.04 Dioxide NFMicrocrystalline 6 8.5 8.5 11 13 8.5 4.69 Wax W835

Procedure to make Example 9A-9B compositions: first connect a mixer withwall-scraper blades (Unimix from Haagen and Rinau) and hot water jacketto a water bath and a vacuum pump. Set the water bath of the hot waterjacket to about 95° C. Add the mineral oil, petrolatum (where present)and/or microcrystalline wax to mixer vessel. Turn on the agitator toabout 60 RPM; mix until their temperature reaches about 95° C. Add the“AVE/MA salt, carboxymethylcellulose, and silica via a funnel to themixer with the vent open. Close the vent and stop mixing. Scrape offpowder clumps. Re-start mixing at about 60 RPM. Pull about 24 inches Hgvacuum and mix until the batch reaches about 90° C. Reduce bathtemperature to about 60° C. and continue mixing under vacuum until thebatch reaches about 65° C. Stop mixing, turn off the pump, slowly openthe vent, release the vacuum, and raise the lid. Fill the sample into asuitable container, such as a foil tube of about 1.4 oz in capacity.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

All percentages, parts and ratios are based upon the total weight of thecompositions of the present invention, unless otherwise specified. Allsuch weights as they pertain to listed ingredients are based upon theactive level and, therefore, do not include solvents or by-products thatmay be included in commercially available materials, unless otherwisespecified. The term “weight percent” may be denoted as “wt. %” herein.All molecular weights as used herein are weight average molecularweights unless otherwise specified.

Herein “comprising” means that other steps and other ingredients whichdo not affect the end result can be added. This term encompasses theterms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”. The compositionsand methods/processes of the present invention can therefore comprise,consist of, and consist essentially of the elements and limitations ofthe invention described herein, as well as any of the additional oroptional ingredients, components, steps or limitations described herein.

The term “teeth” as used herein, refers to natural teeth as well asartificial teeth or dental prosthesis.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaningor definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to the term in this written documentshall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in theart that various changes and modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended tocover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that arewithin the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A denture adhesive composition comprising a saltof a copolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydride, whereinsaid adhesive composition comprises: a) from about 25% to about 45%, byweight of the composition, of a salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinylether-maleic acid or anhydride containing a cationic salt functioncomprising: i) from about 60% to about 72% cations selected fromcalcium, magnesium, or combinations thereof; ii) from 0% to about 10%sodium cations; iii) less than 1% zinc cations; iv) from about 25% toabout 40% of a free acid component; and v) substantially free ofstrontium; b) from about 10% to about 30%, by weight of the compositionof a carboxymethyl cellulose; and c) a carrier wherein the carrier is atleast one of natural wax, synthetic wax, petrolatum, polyvinyl acetate,natural oils, synthetic oils, fats, silicone, silicone derivatives,dimethicone, silicone resins, hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon derivatives,essential oils, caprilic/capric triglycerides, polybutene, oleic acid,or stearic acid.
 2. The denture adhesive composition according to claim1, wherein the natural oil comprises mineral oil.
 3. The dentureadhesive composition according to claim 2, wherein the natural oilfurther comprises at least one of oleic acid or stearic acid.
 4. Thedenture adhesive composition according to claim 1, wherein the cationicsalt function is substantially free of zinc cations.
 5. The dentureadhesive composition according to claim 4, wherein the cationic saltfunction comprises calcium cations and from about 25% to about 35% freeacid component.
 6. The denture adhesive composition according to claim1, wherein the cationic salt function comprises from about 65% to about70% calcium cations, from about 0% to about 5% sodium cations and fromabout 25% to about 35% free acid component.
 7. The denture adhesivecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the denture adhesivecomposition comprises from about 20% to about 30% sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose by weight of the composition.
 8. The dentureadhesive composition according to claim 1, further comprising one ormore ingredients selected from the group consisting of additionaladhesive components, plasticizers, colorants, preservatives, thickeners,vehicles, flavors, fragrances, sensates, and mixtures thereof.
 9. Thedenture adhesive composition according to claim 1, wherein the dentureadhesive composition is a cream.
 10. The denture adhesive compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the denture adhesive composition comprisesat least one non-adhesive self-supporting layer.
 11. The dentureadhesive composition according to claim 1, wherein the carrier comprisesmicrocrystalline wax.
 12. The denture adhesive composition according toclaim 1, wherein the denture adhesive composition is substantially freeof magnesium.
 13. The denture adhesive composition according to claim 1,wherein the denture adhesive composition is substantially free ofsodium.
 14. The denture adhesive composition according to claim 1,wherein the cationic salt function comprises about 70% calcium cations,about 5% sodium cations and about 25% free acid component.
 15. Thedenture adhesive composition according to claim 1, wherein the cationicsalt function comprises about 65% calcium cations, about 0% sodiumcations and about 35% free acid component.
 16. A method of improving theadhesion of dentures to the oral cavity by applying the denture adhesivecomposition of claim 1 to dentures, the oral cavity, or both, andthereafter securing the denture to the ridge or palate of the oralcavity.
 17. A denture adhesive composition comprising a salt of acopolymer of alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid or anhydride, wherein saidadhesive composition comprises: a) from about 25% to about 45%, byweight of the composition, of a salt of a copolymer of alkyl vinylether-maleic acid or anhydride containing a cationic salt functioncomprising: i) from about 60% to about 70% calcium cations; ii) from 0%to about 5% sodium cations; iii) substantially free of zinc cations; andiv) from about 25% to about 35% of a free acid component; and v)substantially free of strontium; b) from about 10% to about 30%, byweight of the composition, of a carboxymethyl cellulose having amolecular weight of from about 500,000 to about 900,000; and c) acarrier; wherein the carrier is at least one of natural wax, syntheticwax, petrolatum, polyvinyl acetate, natural oils, synthetic oils, fats,silicone, silicone derivatives, dimethicone, silicone resins,hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon derivatives, essential oils, caprilic/caprictriglycerides, polybutene, oleic acid, or stearic acid.
 18. The dentureadhesive composition according to claim 17, wherein the natural oilcomprises mineral oil.
 19. The denture adhesive composition according toclaim 18, wherein the natural oil further comprises at least one ofoleic acid or stearic acid.
 20. The denture adhesive compositionaccording to claim 17, wherein the denture adhesive composition is acream.